The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) was enacted by
Congress with little debate or awareness at the behest of the
pharmaceutical and biomedical industries and signed by President
Bush in late 2006.

Despite its name, the Act is framed so broadly that it
classifies almost any form of social activism - including
picketing, street theater, and civil disobedience - as an act of
"terrorism." It is very likely in violation of the First
Amendment.

The range of penalties begins with a large fine and 1-5 years
in federal prison for nonviolent protest. One activist has
served a year for sending a fax inquiring about a demonstration.
Four California activists are currently charged under AETA for
engaging in peaceful protests and they now each face up to a
decade in prison.

Ironically, the Act actually compromises our protection from
the real terrorist threat by draining federal law enforcement
resources on prosecuting social activism. It also jeopardizes
investigations of corporate violations of environmental and
public safety regulations.

The leaders in the Judiciary Committees, charged with
protecting our civil liberties and the rule of law, must take
the initiative in repealing this disastrous legislation.

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